Daily Digest for

Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) issued Sustainable Bonds worth 10,000 million pesos to finance energy transition and social inclusion. The issuance included three tranches, with two being reopenings of bonds from 2023 and a new bond with a 10-year term. The funds will be invested in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure adaptation to climate change impacts.

Portugal-based Eco Wave Power Global AB has raised $3 million through a securities purchase agreement to fund its first commercial wave energy power plant in Portugal. The company issued 300,000 American Depositary Shares at $10 per ADS, with Maxim Group LLC as the exclusive placement agent.

India’s EKI Energy Services Ltd. has embarked on a journey to become an accredited partner of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). This collaboration aims to support financial institutions in India and South Asia in adopting the PCAF Standard for measuring and reporting emissions associated with financial activities, aligning with global climate goals.

The European Union’s European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a Consultation Paper seeking views on applying the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) to sustainability reporting. The proposals aim to ease financial reporting burdens and integrate digitalised sustainability and financial information into the European Single Access Point (ESAP).

The European Union’s European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published Q&As to clarify the application of guidelines on funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms. The Q&As address green bonds, sustainable investments, and controversial weapons, aiming to ensure a common understanding of key concepts among national competent authorities.

US-based Bosch has signed a preliminary memorandum of terms with the U.S. Department of Commerce to receive up to $225 million in funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. This investment supports Bosch’s $1.9 billion project to expand its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Roseville, California, creating up to 1,700 jobs. The project will enhance the production of silicon carbide semiconductors, crucial for electric vehicles and other industries.

The UK-based Inch Cape Offshore Limited, a joint venture between ESB and Red Rock Renewables, has ordered 72 V236-15.0 MW wind turbines from Vestas for the 1.1 GW Inch Cape Offshore Wind project in Scotland. The project will generate over 5TWh of renewable electricity annually, contributing to the UK’s energy security and carbon emission reduction goals. The wind farm is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

Ukraine’s wind energy sector faced challenges in 2024, with only 20 MW of new capacity added. DTEK Renewables continued construction of the Tyligulska Wind Farm and plans for 200 MW energy storage systems. Elementum Energy acquired a 200 MW project in western Ukraine, aiming for 700 GWh annual generation. Notus Energy plans a 120 MW wind farm in Odesa, while MC Wind Parks of Ukraine is developing a 1.5 GW project portfolio, including a new industrial park in Zakarpattia.

Switzerland-based Axpo and its partners Schätzle AG, EWA-Energie Uri, and SGV Holding AG have started construction on a new green hydrogen production plant in Bürglen. The 2 MW plant will produce up to 260 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, saving over one million litres of diesel. The hydrogen will fuel the first hydrogen passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne and other applications.

New Zealand’s government has announced reforms to invigorate capital markets and redirect KiwiSaver investments (worth over $120 billion) towards domestic infrastructure and businesses, including renewable energy projects. The reforms include making it easier for KiwiSaver funds to invest in unlisted assets and reducing barriers for companies listing on the NZX, including changes to climate-related disclosure requirements to better align with Australia.

Brazil has enacted Law No. 15.042, establishing the Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE). The law creates a regulated carbon market with emission limits and introduces Brazilian Emission Quotas (CBE) and Verified Emission Reduction or Removal Certificates (CRVE). The system will be fully implemented by 2030, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from 3-4% of gross revenue for companies and R$50,000 to R$20 million for individuals.

South Africa and Angola have discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in clean energy and critical minerals during President Joao Lourenço’s State Visit to South Africa. The countries have identified opportunities in renewable energy generation, green hydrogen, electric vehicle manufacturing, and critical minerals development for the energy transition. South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation has existing investments in Angola’s Cabinda Oil Refinery and phosphate project.

The European Union’s DG CLIMA and Joint Research Centre (JRC) have launched a survey on zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-HDVs) to gather input on technology readiness, enabling conditions, and research priorities. The survey results will inform future EU research funding programs and support CO₂ emission reduction targets under Regulation (EU) 2024/1610.

UK-based organizations United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Hartree Centre have partnered with IBM to develop AI-powered design solutions for future experimental fusion powerplants. The collaboration combines UKAEA’s fusion expertise and data from JET and MAST-U machines with IBM’s high-performance computing and AI capabilities to create foundation models for fusion powerplant design, aiming to deliver commercial fusion by the 2040s.

New Zealand government has introduced the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill to streamline renewable energy project approvals and infrastructure development. The bill establishes a one-year maximum for consenting renewable energy projects, extends renewable energy consent durations to 35 years, and provides 20-year extensions for coastal permits at 13 major ports. The legislation also includes provisions for natural hazard risk management and emergency response.

The UK Government and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) have launched the ASEAN Green Investment Catalyst (AGIC) initiative with £2.1 million funding to accelerate sustainable foreign direct investment across Southeast Asia. The initiative is part of the broader ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund worth £40 million (2024-2029) and aims to develop investment-ready projects in green sectors while providing an innovative tool to match projects with investors.

New Zealand government has approved the Watercare Charter for Auckland’s water services, which will save households approximately $899 million over four years while ensuring improved service quality. The plan includes record infrastructure investment averaging $1.3 billion annually from 2025 to 2028, focusing on maintaining and renewing Auckland’s water infrastructure while supporting increased housing growth.